User Reviews

Avoid street meat, eat here

A truly unique NYC institution. The papya juice is great, but can sometimes be a bit on the watery side. The hot dogs, and the sauces, are fantasticly tasty.

Papaya King

Posted by East Side Eater on 09/15/2004

Amazing juices

It's fresh-squeezed juices are, bar none, the best in the city. Popping with flavor.

Papaya King

Posted by hot dog lover on 07/20/2004

Papaya King Big Disappointment

This place is overrated. The meals are expensive. The shakes are bland. And the dogs are not good. To top it off, the staff is in such a hurry they yank the money out of your hand and throw food at you.

Papaya King

Posted by Hoppy Junior on 06/12/2004

Best Dog On The Planet

Funny thing is, it's getting harder and harder to find a good dog in this city. Papaya King is the best. What a joint! This place has tons of atmosphere for such a small hole. I could spend an hour there just reading the signage. Their hot dogs are the best. Well done with mustard and kraut for a song. $1.69 buys you the best dog you've ever had. The mustard is to die for. I wish they'd sell me that gallon size. I'd put it on everything. It could make a Fenway Frank taste good. I like Gray's Papaya, but Papaya King is just on another level. Deli's like Second Avenue Deli don't know how to make a hot dog. I was in Westchester and stopped at a Nathan's on Central Park Avenue. Thought I'd try one of theirs. I got it out to my car, took one bite, spit it out, and threw the rest of that swill-dog at the drive-thru window. Sewerage in natural casing! The Papaya King guys do it right. Don't expect a lot of warmth from the staff. But they should win a Nobel for the service they provide. The Best Hot Dog in New York.

Papaya King

Posted by HotdogXpert on 06/10/2004

Beats Gray's Papaya by a mile!

Another review got it right when he said that the mustard is terrific, mild and unique. I asked the elderly owner a few years ago why he didn't market his mustard so I could use it at home; he just smiled and said, "Use Grey Poupon." GP is fine when you're trying to pep up a mediocre dog, but not for these sensational franks. Order one well done with saurkraut and mustard, and a papaya drink -- perfect combo! Never take it home to eat or have it delivered, as the toasted bun will be soggy and the dog will have cooled -- piping hot right off the grill is the way to go.

Papaya King

Posted by Anonymous on 04/04/2004

Best Hot Dogs EVER

Papaya King makes the best hot dogs in the world. Sometimes, there are lines out the door, but the wait is worth it.

Papaya King

Posted by Skitts on 02/27/2004

The best darn hot dog in the city!

East 86th street Papaya King is the best hotdog in the city. Many will claim other hot dog places in New York are better but they are wrong for one key reason. The mustard at the 86th street papaya king is the best mustard I have ever tasted. This mustard is only available at the 86th street Papaya King. The Chilly and Cheese dogs are amazing and the "Home Run" (onions and sour kraut) is my cousin's personal favorite.